DEFENDING EARTH DEFENDERS

Jesus founded Eheco, an organization that connects civil society with public and private stakeholders to drive progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, Human Rights, and the Escazú Agreement. Jesus has worked to build bridges between youth, social justice, and climate action. Through Eheco, he has developed local visibility events centered on environmental protection and Human Rights.

Jesus Maya - Eheco | Querétaro

PROBLEM

146 Murders Of environmental defenders were documented worldwide in 2024. An overwhelming majority of these, 82%, occurred in Latin America.

Solution

Public Policy Incidence tools, meaningful youth engagement and participation in decision making processes for environmental defenders, climate justice, and human rights.

Eheco IMPACT

50+ Youth Change Makers

Involved in public policy incidence for climate action in Mexico and Colombia, and involvement in UN mechanisms for Human Rights.

Awards

2025 | State Youth Award given by the State Government of Queretaro

2023 | “Torchbearer for the SDGS” by the MGCY for the UN Action Weekend of the General Assembly.

2019 | “Young innovator creating a better world for all” award by the Women Economic Forum.

2018 | National Youth Award - The greatest award given by the Federal Government of Mexico..